Baby Larch cone

These flowers always fascinate me - including the fact that they are growing from tree branches. If you happen to know where there is a Larch tree, take a look at the branches at the right time of the year. When you see these female flowers (they become cones) up close, they really are very attractive. They start off a deep pinky purple and become paler as they open fully.

Yesterday afternoon, 3 May 2015, I met up with a group of birding friends in South Glenmore Park. We walked east towards the "point" and beyond. Not a huge number of birds and most were the far side or in the centre of the Glenmore Reservoir. However, 25 species were seen - will add the list compiled by leaders, Janet and Bernie, posted mainly to help my own memory:

1. Common Loon - 1 heard
2. Horned Grebe - 40+
3. Red-necked Grebe - 40+
4. Western Grebe - 60+
5. Canada Goose - 4
6. Mallard - 12
7. American Wigeon - 10
8. Lesser Scaup - 2
9. Common Goldeneye - 35
10. Bufflehead - 32
11. Swainson's Hawk - 2
12. American Coot - 2
13. Bonaparte's Gull - 3
14. Franklin's Gull - 35+
15. California Gull - 12
16. Northern Flicker - 1
17. Black-billed Magpie - 5
18. American Crow - 15
19. Common Raven - 8 + 2 young in nest
20. Tree Swallow - 2
21. Rough-winged Swallow - 2
22. Black-capped Chickadee - 2
23. American Robin - 6
24. Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 Myrtle
25. House Sparrow - 2+

Five of us went to the Good Earth cafe after the walk and, as always, coffee and a chat were most enjoyable. Thanks for the good walk, Janet and Bernie!